After extending his contract, Iñaki Peña officially joins Elche on loan. | OneFootball

A new experience for a La Masia Academy graduate

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In a strategic move finalized on Wednesday, Barcelona have confirmed goalkeeper Iñaki Peña’s contract extension until 2029, followed immediately by his season-long loan to La Liga newcomers Elche.

This transaction serves a dual purpose: it frees up essential salary cap space, enabling the long-awaited registration of Wojciech Szczęsny’s two-year renewal. As a result, the Polish shot-stopper will be eligible to feature in Barcelona’s upcoming league fixture against Rayo Vallecano.

For Peña, this marks his second loan spell away from the club, having previously spent six months with Galatasaray in 2022. The move offers the 25-year-old a valuable opportunity to secure regular playing time as a starting goalkeeper, aiding Elche’s top-flight survival ambitions following their promotion.